Roadtrip Nation's New Zealand journey

Day 8: Picton to Kaikoura

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Picton - Blenheim 0.5 hr  28/18 Blenheim - Kaikoura 1.75 hrs  129/81   Totals for Day 2.25 hrs  157/98

Picton - Blenheim - Kaikoura

The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the Interislander ferry service, which links the North and South islands of New Zealand. It’s also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Museums and interesting walks will keep you entertained while you’re here.

The short drive to Blenheim takes you across the Wairau Plains past vineyards and wineries. Diversions along the way include a golf course and farm parks.

Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You’ll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight – everything from homestays to boutique hotels. There are more than 20 wineries within driving distance of the town, and nearly all of them welcome visitors.

Scenic Highlights

d'Urville Island
Catch a water taxi and escape to a large tranquil island to swim, fish, kayak and explore native forests trails.

Marlborough Sounds
Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.

Queen Charlotte Track
Walk or bike for days through native forests with views across the Marlborough Sounds. Lighten your load by ha your pack transferred between your overnight stays.

Queen Charlotte Drive
Navigate the spectacular winding road that links Havelock to Picton. This is like cruising the Marlborough Sounds without a boat.

Lake Grassmere Saltworks
Discover a seaside lake with large pink ponds and mounds that sparkle white against summer?s light-brown, hillside pastures.

Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve
A boat trip to the Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve is an inspired way to enjoy the extraordinary scenery of the Marlborough Sounds.

Activities

Marlborough
Boat Cruises (12), Walking/Trekking (7), Wineries (7)

Tour and Sightseeing

Marlborough
Boat Cruises (3), Walking/Trekking (1), Wineries (8)

Picton - Blenheim - Kaikoura

Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You’ll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight – everything from homestays to boutique hotels.

State Highway 1 takes you through the coastal foothills, and then out into the picturesque Awatere Valley. In the township of Seddon you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts. The Lake Grassmere saltworks is an interesting stop - the ponds turn coral pink in late summer. After the small town of Ward, the road turns toward the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge.

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels.

Scenic Highlights

d'Urville Island
Catch a water taxi and escape to a large tranquil island to swim, fish, kayak and explore native forests trails.

Queen Charlotte Track
Walk or bike for days through native forests with views across the Marlborough Sounds. Lighten your load by ha your pack transferred between your overnight stays.

Queen Charlotte Drive
Navigate the spectacular winding road that links Havelock to Picton. This is like cruising the Marlborough Sounds without a boat.

Lake Grassmere Saltworks
Discover a seaside lake with large pink ponds and mounds that sparkle white against summer?s light-brown, hillside pastures.

The wildlife of Kaikoura
The Shoreline Walk from Point Kean leads you to colonies of fur seals and sea birds. Pack a picnic and a camera.

Activities

Christchurch - Canterbury
Bird Watching (3), Dolphins (4)

Marlborough
Arts & Crafts (5), Diving (4), Galleries (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

Christchurch - Canterbury
Bird Watching (1)